Global firms drafted in to help advise East Midlands Development Corporation

How Toton could look

A host of global firms have been instructed to help advise the new East Midlands Development Corporation (EMDC) after it received £2m of public money.

The EMDC, which is currently operating in shad-ow form, has engaged experts in business development, construction, finance and law.

The proposed HS2 station at Toton, East Midlands Airport and the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station sites have been identified as the region’s most strategically important by EMDC.

Arup, a global engineering and design consultancy headquartered in London which provides engineering, design, planning, project management and consulting services, has been appointed along with leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton (finance and governance) and Pinsent Masons (legal).

Plans to form the development corporation were announced earlier this year following the allocation of £2m Government funding for the East Midlands.

The development corporation says its focus will be on maximising and accelerating these “once-in-a-generation” opportunities at the HS2 station at Toton, East Midlands Airport and the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station sites and the SEGRO Logistics Park and Chetwynd Barracks.

Sir John Peace, who chairs the EMDC, said: “These appointments reflect the scale of the development corporation’s ambition. If we are to genuinely transform the East Midlands’ economy and transform it a great place to live, learn and do business, then we need the best possible advice and support we can get.”

Joanna Rowelle, Arup integrated city planning director, said: “Along with our partners AMION and Cushman & Wakefield, we’re pleased to be part of plans to progress the East Midlands Development Corporation.

“Our strong presence in the East Midlands, having worked here for over 30 years, means we’re well aware of the significant economic opportunities the region has to offer.

“This new body has the potential to drive inward investment and develop a connected and responsive business climate to supercharge the East Midlands economy – bringing jobs, more housing and better transport links for local people. We look forward to getting started.”

In a joint statement with Pinsent Masons, Will McWilliams, head of public services advisory at Grant Thornton UK, said: ”Unlocking the huge potential for growth in the Mid-lands is vital if we are to truly bring balance to the UK economy. To successfully reinvigorate our regions we need to work collaboratively to produce sustainable, long-term foundations for future growth. We are proud to be working with the Midlands Engine to deliver on its goal of boosting economic growth across the region by improving transport links, building much needed new homes and creating employment opportunities.”

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